One of the greatest honors in a Jazz Musician's life is to be voted in the Downbeat Magazine Critics polls and readers polls. In 2003 Tony was blessed to be a voted in both polls! Not only was Tony proud of these wonderful accomplishments, he was humbled as he realized that these things only happen because of the great gifts that God gave him! "The readers polls really touched me because it means that I have gained some respect from my fans and that they dig my playing. Also the fact that they would consider me to be worthy of being included to the list of other great jazz organist who have helped shape me into what I've always wanted to be "A Jazz Organist"."

Tony started playing the accordion when he was eight years old. When he was twelve, He was given a Jimmy Smith album and instantly knew that Jazz Organ was his calling. Tony began to play in Jazz night clubs around Columbus, Ohio while he was still learning the art of the Hammond B3 organ. He was influenced by hometown Organists such as Hank Marr and Don Patterson. Tony's newfound fascination led him to jazz organ legends Jimmy McGriff, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Charles Earland, Jack McDuff, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Here He found an unlimited source of inspiration; he just couldn't get enough!

On Tony's sixteenth birthday, he received a phone call from Jimmy Smith. This was a great honor and really boosted his enthusiasm as an organist. Jimmy Smith continued to give Tony Jazz Organ secrets over the phone while Tony was playing around Columbus. When he was twenty, Jimmy Smith invited Tony to come play with him at his club in Woodland Hills L.A., California. An experience Tony would never forget; Tony finally got to play in front of the master of the Jazz Organ. Tony has also been fortunate to spend some time learning from Hank Marr, Bobby Pierce and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

In April 2000, Tony met Jazz Organist Joey DeFrancesco while Joey was playing in Columbus, Ohio. The two of them became instant friends. Joey recognized Tony's' talents right away and offered to produce a CD for him. Tony was thrilled at this wonderful opportunity. He flew out to Joey's house in Arizona to begin recording the CD "Burnin Grooves". Tony recorded with Byron Landham on drums and Paul Bollenback on guitar. He also recorded a few tracks with Joey, who was on either piano or trumpet.

Tony's recording "Burnin Grooves" sparked international attention. He was featured on Pete Fallico's Internet Radio Program ‘‘Doodlin Lounge' on KUSP, Santa Cruz and KCSM, San Mateo . Pete's recognition of Tony as a jazz organist was very important! Pete is a very well respected advocate and voice for the art of jazz organ.

In 2003, Tony gave his jazz organ clinic at the 2003 International Association of Jazz Educators in Toronto, Canada. Attended the Winter NAMM show for Hammond/Suzuki, performed at the Illinois State University "GLT" Jazz concert series as a double bill with the great Ron Carter, performed for the NPR convention in San Diego, played concerts with such names as: Lewis Nash, Red Holloway, Plas Johnson, Sonny Fortune, John Faddis, Mel Lewis, Eric Neymeyer along with many tour dates with his own trio. In September 2003, Summit Records released Tony's 4th National Release "A NEW GENERATION". This was a very special release as the recording features Tony's Trio along with Special guests: The Joey DeFrancesco Trio. They both used the "New Hammond/Suzuki B3"organs playing at the same time on the recording as it pays homage to Jimmy McGriff and the late Richard "Groove" Holmes in the spirit of their recordings "Giants of the Organ" series: "Come Together"and "Live at Pauls Mall". Once again Tony's recording climbed the Jazz radio charts as it also received many favorable reviews from Jazztimes, Jazz Improv Magazine , Allaboutjazz.com and many more...

In 2004 Tony has just completed building a new home as well as the Columbus Sound recording studio.